"Why, look ye," said the latter, as the coin jingled in his bag, "I was ever held in good repute as a guide, and can make my way blindfold over the bogs and mosses hereabout; and I would pilot thee to the place yonder, if my fealty to the prior -- that is -- if -- I mean -- though I was never a groat the richer for his bounty; yet he may not like strangers to pry into his garners and store-houses, especially in these evil times, when every cur begins to yelp at the heels of our bountiful mother; and every beast to bray out its reproaches at her great wealth and possessions."

Frederick Palmer remembered that London, during this period of the war, was a loner at the front, loftily isolated form his colleagues with his separate mess tent and servants, "general and private of his army of one, he rode in front of his two pack-donkeys, which jingled with bells, the leader bearing an American flag."